South Carolina Football 2011: An Open Letter to Stephen Garcia

What's up man? You don't know me, but I know you. Very well, in fact. I have followed your career super closely since you arrived on campus. I am aware that you probably will never read or see this

I have always been one of your biggest supporters and fans. I continue to hold the view that you are a great SEC caliber quarterback, and can lead this team to great, great things.

But Stephen, you are making things very difficult for me lately.

It isn't so much that you are playing poorly. You have played okay. Not great, but well enough to lead the team to a 3-0 record. Your leadership is unquestioned, and the team loves you.

However, you are losing the fans, and I can't stand to see that happen. You have worked so hard to come back to the team, and proven to everyone that you are and have always been a team first guy. The runs that you have made have been incredible this year, and your heart has been on your sleeve.

However, I see something else. I am no coach, and I am no professional.

You're pushing. You're forcing. You are trying desperately to win back the fans with you arm. You start each game terribly. Overshooting wide receivers. People don't seem to realize what over-throwing receivers at the beginning of a game means.

You're over excited. You are nervous.

That's not Garcia football. That's not South Carolina football. Once you settle in, you play well. Even that interception you threw (which the coach blamed himself for) was a pass that was obviously forced. You desperately wanted to make a play.

Don't be desperate. You never have been. Don't force plays. Please, you are an intelligent leader who can make great throws when you are relaxed. I understand you have the weight of an entire fanbase on your shoulders—a group so starved for a championship, that they are becoming a group of piranhas towards you.

Understand, this year is an opportunity. The best the team ever has, and the only way you can win the fans over is to do what you do—and win.